Easily accessible from The Gambia, our Senegal holidays in Casamance and Sine Saloum are perfect for anyone seeking a tranquil back-to-nature escape.
Completely surrounding The Gambia from all angles, French-speaking Senegal is something of an undiscovered gem amongst British tourists. Like The Gambia, Senegal enjoys uninterrupted sunshine during the winter, with a short rainy season in the summer.
Characterised by their white-sand beaches, meandering waterways, diverse array of wildlife and friendly welcome, the regions of Casamance and Sine Saloum are easily accessible from The Gambia, making them the perfect add-ons to your Gambian break – especially for nature enthusiasts.
Below you'll find some information about the Senegal holidays we offer in these regions, and the sort of wildlife encounters you can expect there.
Set within 2,000 hectares of a 6,000 hectare national reserve in the Sine Saloum South region, Fathala Wildlife Reserve promises to introduce you to a wide selection of Africa’s superb wildlife – zebras, giraffes, buffalo, rhino, antelopes, warthogs and more, all roaming free.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Africa from the terrace of your luxurious safari tent, or cool off in the plunge pool. When evening comes, gather around the fire pit to observe the wildlife at the nearby watering hole, before dining in the on-site restaurant.
The reserve's proximity to the waterways of the birdlife-rich Sine Saloum Delta also makes this a popular spot for keen birdwatchers.
Distance from The Gambia: 4 hours
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A hidden gem on a deserted stretch of white-sand beach, this simple lodge is one of our most accessible Senegal hotels, situated just a three-hour drive from The Gambia.
Warm and welcoming, the family-run lodge sits in the midst of an ancient palm forest, with a coastal lagoon on one side, and direct access to a stunning beach on the other. The lagoon fills at high tide, and a viewing deck enables you relax as you look out for a wide range of bird species.
Staying here means you're also close to the traditional Senegalese fishing village of Kafountine. Enjoy complete tranquility, or witness authentic African life through locally arranged excursions.
Distance from The Gambia: 3 hours
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Another hotel that enjoys a close proximity to the Sine Saloum Delta, with its amazing birdlife, the tranquil Les Palétuviers Boutique Hotel is perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with Mother Nature on their Senegal holiday.
Spend an afternoon aboard a traditional pirogue, discovering the local bird and marine life, or visit the local village of Toubakouta, which will give you a real insight into Senegalese culture.
For a real treat, book a stay in the comfortable Baobab Suite, a treehouse settled amongst the branches of a baobab tree, with spectacular views over the creek and the mangroves.
Distance from The Gambia: 3.5 hours
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View from the Baobab Suite
River excursions
Perched above the rivers of the Sine Saloum Delta, Keur Saloum is made for watching sensational sunsets behind the mangroves.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas, here you are perfectly placed to discover the real Senegal and its diverse bird and marine life. The hotel's varied excursion programme enables you to explore the local area, whether that's through fishing, picnicking on a deserted beach or exploring a local village.
Distance from The Gambia: 3 hours
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Perfect for beach-lovers, La Paillote Village Hotel enjoys a sought-after location along Cap Skirring's gorgeous white sands, which seem to stretch on forever. Although there's no swimming pool at the hotel, the ocean offers a refreshing break from the sizzling African sunshine.
Being just 2km from the village of Cap Skirring, La Paillote is a great base from which to explore. Local excursions, including boat trips through the mangroves and 4WD trips into the Casamance hinterland, can be arranged to give you a taster of authentic Senegalese life.
Distance from The Gambia: 4 hours
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Experiencing the wildlife of The Gambia and Senegal Read more